Imbalanced face shape, protruding upper or lower jaws, skewed jaws, retracted lower jaws, malocclusion, etc. These problems caused by abnormal jaw bone development may disturb people for life. In order to reconstruct a good bite relationship, upper and lower jaw bone relationship and tooth angle, there is a surgery that can bring changes to the patient. This is orthognathic surgery.
When the difference between the abnormal position of the bones is too large that only by receiving orthodontic treatment cannot improve the problem, the orthodontist may suggest the patient to undergo orthognathic surgery. This surgery is recommended to perform after the jaw has been fully developed. Usually it is about 16 years old for women and 18 years old for men. This is to ensure that the bone would not change position due to continued development. Jaw bone volume matters for implants too, where grafting to rebuild the implant site is sometimes required.
The orthognathic surgery will be carried out by a specialist in oral and maxillofacial surgery, aims to correct the abnormality of the upper and lower jaw bones. In addition, most of the orthognathic surgery needs to cooperate with orthodontics, the two doctors will discuss and formulate a plan according to the patient's situation. They will establish a 3D model, and predict the future oral condition and face shape changes. This operation needs to be performed under general anesthesia, and because of the recovery period after general anesthesia, hospitalization is required.
Orthognathic surgery is performed inside the mouth, all wounds will be hidden, so there will be no scars on the face. The sequelae of surgery include numbness of lips and chin after surgery, and some people may even lose consciousness. But the chance of these problems occurring is very low, usually will be recovering over time.
This operation can help people who are deeply troubled by abnormal jawbone development and imbalanced face to regain their confidence, change their appearance, and return to normal teeth chewing function. However, the cost of orthognathic surgery is not cheap, and it must also be matched with orthodontics. The cost of treatment is believed to be one of the major considerations for patients.
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Whether orthognathic surgery is needed alongside braces is assessed jointly by orthodontics and oral and maxillofacial surgery. If you suspect your problem comes from the jaw bone, see our orthognathic surgery assessment service first.
